SFHA members tackle climate change: Wheatley Group's Connected Response
With COP26 focusing on the theme of ‘Cities, Regions and the Built Environment’ on 11 November, SFHA is highlighting how its members are tackling climate change through building new homes or improving existing ones.
Wheatley Group’s ‘Connected Response’ is an innovative solution to inefficient and expensive electric heating which gives customers more control, costs less and significantly cuts carbon emissions.
Connected Response technology – in the form of a small device attached to the wall – allows people to set the time and temperature for their electric heating.
It helps people use – and pay for – only the energy they need by taking into account the temperature inside and outside and uses cheaper tariff periods throughout the day or night to charge the heating and hot water, rather than the rigid night-time option available for most people.
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It can reduce energy use by up to 30% and cut bills by up to £300 per year
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It gives customers full control – equivalent to a standard gas central heating system
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It also uses the existing heaters – which prevents material being sent to landfill and extends the lifespan of appliances.
GHA, part of Wheatley Group, has been working, with support from Scottish Government, on a Connected Response pilot project in 300 homes at Drygate and Charles Street, Glasgow. It will be rolled out to all GHA high-rise blocks with electric heating over the next three years.
GHA tenant Liz Macinarlin, 73, from Drygate, said: “The new system is a lot cheaper and much more convenient.
“With the old overnight storage heating tariff, I used to put my washing on during the night because it was cheaper. Sometimes I’d put a stew on to cook slowly too.
“Now I have more control over when I use my electricity. I have heating and hot water when I want it – and I’m saving around £300 a year on my bills.
“Using less electricity helps cut back on emissions and that’s good for the planet.”
Stephen Devine, Wheatley’s Director of Assets and Sustainability, said: “We always want to help customers reduce the cost of running their home and tackle fuel poverty.
“’Connected Response’ helps us do that while significantly reducing energy consumption.
“It builds on improvements we’ve made to the insulation efficiency of our homes, as well renewable technology such as district heating systems we are using in our new and existing homes.”
Pictured: Liz Macinarlin.